Opening Day over algebra any time

Cincinnatians know that spring is officially here with the arrival of Opening Day. For years, Cincinnati was honored with playing the first game of the baseball season. Depending on who you talked to, it was because the Reds were the first professional baseball team, founded in 1869. There was also the opinion that Cincinnati had the opener because it was one of the southernmost cities in baseball at the time and most likely to have decent weather.

My dad took me to the game in 1977 for my first Opening Day experience. I had obtained an excused absence from school. This was common practice at the time, if the student could present a game ticket at the school attendance office.

Upon awakening on game morning, my heart sank. Four inches of snow had fallen overnight. I was certain the game would be canceled. At once, the algebra test scheduled for that afternoon, for which I hadn't even begun to study, rushed to the front of my consciousness. Instead of basking in the springtime tradition of Opening Day baseball, I would be flunking an algebra test.

My dad, the eternal optimist, after surveying the conditions outside, finally said, "Why don't we go downtown, have some lunch at the Wheel Cafe, and kill some time until they decide if they're going to play." The Wheel was a Cincinnati tradition in its own right. Finally, I sensed a little hope.

At some point during our lunch at the Wheel, an announcement was made that the game would be played. Opening Day would not be canceled!

The game actually started on time, and the Reds won an exciting, albeit chilly, game over the San Diego Padres, 5-3. The next day I scored a B on my algebra test.

Go Reds! ■

Bill Hillis

My Life

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Opening Day over algebra any time

Cincinnatians know that spring is officially here with the arrival of Opening Day. For years, Cincinnati was honored with playing the first game of the baseball season.